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T O P I C R E V I E W

Robert Pearlman

Editor's note: This topic will collect the official statements and public reactions made in response to Neil Armstrong's passing on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The White House release

Statement by the President on the Passing of Neil Armstrong

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neil Armstrong.

Neil was among the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation. They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable — that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.

Today, Neil's spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown — including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure — sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step.

Robert Pearlman

NASA release

NASA Administrator Statement on Neil Armstrong's Death

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden regarding the death of former test pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong. He was 82.

"On behalf of the entire NASA family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Carol and the rest of the Armstrong family on the passing of Neil Armstrong. As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own.

"Besides being one of America's greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation.

"As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero."

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, and space exploration companion, Neil Armstrong today. As Neil, Mike Collins and I trained together for our historic Apollo 11 Mission, we understood the many technical challenges we faced, as well as the importance and profound implications of this historic journey. We will now always be connected as the crew of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, yet for the many millions who witnessed that remarkable achievement for humankind, we were not alone.

Whenever I look at the moon I am reminded of that precious moment, over four decades ago, when Neil and I stood on the desolate, barren, yet beautiful, Sea of Tranquility, looking back at our brilliant blue planet Earth suspended in the darkness of space, I realized that even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone. Virtually the entire world took that memorable journey with us. I know I am joined by many millions of others from around the world in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew. My friend Neil took the small step but giant leap that changed the world and will forever be remembered as a historic moment in human history.

I had truly hoped that on July 20th, 2019, Neil, Mike and I would be standing together to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our moon landing, as we also anticipated the continued expansion of humanity into space, that our small mission helped make possible. Regrettably, this is not to be. Neil will most certainly be there with us in spirit.

On behalf of the Aldrin family, we extend our deepest condolences to Carol and the entire Armstrong family. I will miss my friend Neil as I know our fellow citizens and people around world will miss this foremost aviation and space pioneer.

May he Rest in Peace, and may his vision for our human destiny in space be his legacy.

Robert Pearlman

NASA Kennedy Space Center release

Kennedy Space Center Director Statement On Neil Armstrong's Death

The following is a statement from NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana regarding the death of former test pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong. He was 82.

"Neil Armstrong was a true American hero, and one of the nicest gentlemen around. He was the epitome of what an engineering test pilot should be, and a role model for everyone who aspired to be an astronaut.

"He always took the time to share his thoughts on technical issues and his experiences from the past.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement today on the passing of American astronaut Neil Armstrong:

"A true hero has returned to the Heavens to which he once flew. Neil Armstrong blazed trails not just for America, but for all of mankind. He inspired generations of boys and girls worldwide not just through his monumental feat, but with the humility and grace with which he carried himself to the end. Ohio has lost one of her proudest sons. Humanity has gained a legend."

Mitt Romney: Neil Armstrong Today Takes His Place In The Hall Of Heroes

Mitt Romney today made the following statement on the death of Neil Armstrong:

"Neil Armstrong today takes his place in the hall of heroes. With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before. The moon will miss its first son of earth.

"I met and spoke with Neil Armstrong just a few weeks ago — his passion for space, science and discovery, and his devotion to America will inspire me through my lifetime."

Robert Pearlman

Coalition for Space Exploration release

Neil Armstrong – A True Hero for All Mankind

"Today we mourn the loss of Neil Armstrong, a true hero for all mankind. Neil was a humble man who devoted his life and his career to serving a greater cause. From the children who strive to explore the stars to those who devote their lives to reaching beyond the bonds of earth, one can only hope to follow in his footsteps.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of this great man. We will forever celebrate his life, his accomplishments and his spirit."

Lon Rains, ChairmanCoalition for Space Exploration

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a group of space industry businesses and advocacy groups that collaborates to ensure that the United States remains the leader in space, science and technology by reinforcing the value and benefits of space exploration with the public and our nation's leaders, and building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable strategic direction for space exploration.

It is with deep personal sadness that I, along with this nation, mourn the death of Neil Armstrong. Neil was a humble and personable man who although he was the first man to walk on the moon, he never asserted his own ego into a conversation. Neil will always be remembered for the inspiration he gave to all of us to press on and to achieve our own personal greatness. He was the personification of the Giant Leap for mankind. Neil was not only a gentleman he was a gentle man. Thank you Neil for a life well lived. You will always be an inspiration.

Nancy ConradChairman and FounderConrad Foundation

The Conrad Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to 21st century, immersive learning, where students use their imagination and innovation to enrich their classroom studies and do something real. The Foundation is the only organization of its kind whose programs combine education, innovation and entrepreneurship to inspire solutions for achieving global sustainability.

Robert Pearlman

NASA release

Statements on the Passing of Neil Armstrong

Statement from Joe Engle, former X-15 pilot and NASA astronaut

"Neil was indeed the greatest. His humility and reluctance to stand in the spotlight as the first human to set foot on the moon are well known and respected. But mention flying airplanes, and in particular flying the X-15, and he would light up, his eyes would twinkle, and you could barely get a word in edgewise — nor would you want to. Neil was a great American, a great test pilot, a great engineer, but most importantly, a great friend. We'll miss him, but we're so thankful we had the opportunity to know and fly with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and his family."

Statement from Glenn Research Center Director Ray Lugo:

"Our condolences reach out to his wife Carol and surround the entire Armstrong Family. The loss of Neil is felt by the entire NASA community and especially by his Ohio-based NASA family at the Glenn Research Center. Neil remains a national treasure; a pioneering astronaut, test pilot, aerospace engineer and professor; the first man to set foot on the moon. He has helped turn the complexities, challenges and stumbling blocks of space exploration into stepping stones that others have followed and a brilliant trail for the future explorers. His legacy will inspire those who will follow in his footsteps to Dream Big."

Statement from Bob Behnken, Chief, NASA Astronaut Office:

"Neil Armstrong was a very personal inspiration to all of us within the astronaut office. His historic step onto the Moon's surface was the foundation for many of our personal dreams to become astronauts. The only thing that outshone his accomplishments was his humility about those accomplishments. We will miss him as a friend, mentor, explorer and ambassador for the American spirit of ingenuity."

Today is a sad day, not only for the family of Neil Armstrong, but also for the entire world. The first steps of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon are part of the history of humankind, meaning they go beyond the boundaries of space history or American history.

Until 21 July 1969, Neil Armstrong was an American and the Moonlandings were American. But after this day, Neil Armstrong belonged to humanity, just like his predecessor Yuri Gagarin who made us ‘discover’ our planet Earth.

After this day, the competition between the two great space superpowers in human spaceflight was replaced by cooperation, and today Americans and Russians work together in space with their Japanese, Canadian and European colleagues. And tomorrow I hope (I work towards this end), also with other space ambassadors.

The Moonlanding was a collective effort of the American people, and Neil Armstrong is the premiere symbol for this effort. But Neil Armstrong has gone beyond being a hero, by remaining a man that was sage, discreet and reserved, but always ready to transfer his experience to the young generations.

He has inspired successive generations all around the world, and it is also for this that Neil Armstrong will be always present from generation to generation of countless engineers and scientists.

My encounter with Neil Armstrong remains a magic moment of my life, and I follow the wish of the family of Neil Armstrong to give a wink to the Moon, where his steps are permanently imprinted.

Robert Pearlman

Statement from Harrison Schmitt, Apollo astronaut

Neil Armstrong is a true national and international hero in the classic sense. His intellect, dedication and skills made him absolutely the best choice to be the first American and first human to step foot on the Moon in 1969 as Commander of Apollo 11. Quiet, thoughtful celebration of his life honors the man and his achievements.

Armstrong conducted himself at the highest levels of professionalism — quick to make good decisions in service to his country, as a test pilot, and as an explorer in the best traditions of Lewis and Clark. He often stated, however, that our successes in these difficult arenas only come from the magnificent efforts of hundreds of thousands of others.

One of my many favorite Armstrong memories from Apollo relates to a spur of the moment decision he made late in his walk on the Moon. We all trained to focus on collecting the greatest variety of Moon rocks possible in the time available. But, having already quickly collected one of the finest sets of lunar samples, Neil thought the partially filled rock box needed something more. He rapidly filled the box with a large amount of the Moon’s soil. This soil became one of the most important samples ever returned from the Moon. Neil’s 30 minutes of sampling decisions at Tranquillity Base remain the most productive half hour in lunar exploration.

Neil was a gifted speaker, historian and professor. He did not give a large number of speeches or interviews, but all had been extensively researched and delivered with remarkable clarity and insight. Neil fascinated audiences with his clear articulation of historical events and the relation of technology, aeronautics and space to human activities in the past and future.

I had the great privilege to have known Neil as both a colleague and friend. Teresa and I give our heartfelt condolences to the extended Armstrong family and to his legion of friends, colleagues, and others so profoundly influenced by the life of Neil Armstrong. His historical insights, good nature and extraordinary professionalism will be missed more than my words can convey.

Robert Pearlman

New Mexico Museum of Space History release

Museum Mourns Passing of Armstrong

The staff of the New Mexico Museum of Space History express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Astronaut Neil Armstrong. Armstrong passed away Saturday August 25, 2012, following complications from heart surgery. He was 82 years old. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon and he became the first man to walk on the moon.

"When Neil Armstrong took that first step onto the surface of the moon, he also stepped into the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide," said Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll. "He is a true American hero who inspired generations of students from across the globe to dream beyond our blue marble, to reach for what others might think impossible. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on in the explorers who will follow in his footsteps."

In a statement from Armstrong's family, they stated:

"For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."